A man has had surgery to remove a pellet after he was shot with an air rifle.

A man has had surgery to remove a pellet after he was shot with an air rifle.

The incident was at 9.45pm on Sunday night in Benton Road, Four Lane Ends, Newcastle.

The victim heard a noise and saw five youths 100 yards away from him. He then heard another pop and found his nose was bleeding.

A pellet had struck the side of his nose and cracked a bone before it travelled up sideways lodging underneath his eye. The pellet was removed at Newcastle General Hospital.

The youth with the rifle was described as wearing a bright orange jacket with black stripes down each arm and a black stripe across the chest.

Det Sgt Andy Burdon, of Newcastle East Police at Clifford Street Station, in Byker, said: "Fortunately, the man was not seriously injured but the potential was tremendous. This was a nasty assault and we would appeal for anyone who may have seen youths at the Metro or bus station to call us on (0191) 214 6555."